Remembering Grandpa

Robert Mansfield Fife 1926 ~ 2009 Robert Mansfield Fife, age 83, passed away February 22, 2009 at home in Taylorsville, Utah surrounded by his loving family.Bob was born February 12, 1926 in Salt Lake City to Alexander Fife and Myrtle Weight Fife. He graduated from South High School. Bob married Loma LaVon Andersen on June 24, 1946 in the L.D.S. Salt Lake Temple. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a gunner aboard a troop transport. His true love was woodworking, and he enjoyed many hours in his workshop making furniture for his family. He also passed that love on to his sons.

Justin was given the opportunity to speak at his grandpas funeral today. He was very nervous and had a difficult time saying goodbye in words. Instead of making him write again how he felt I am attaching an excerpt from the talk he and his brother John wrote to remember their grandpa.

One of my favorite memories of Grandpa is when I was in high school and working on the bridge building contest for physics and as usual i had put it off to the last minute. I was at Grandpas house putting it together and sanding it straight late into the night. There was no chance of getting the glue to set and harden and everything ready for the morning but Grandpa was there helping me to finish it. He taught me that if i baked it at a low temperature the rest of the night it would be able to harden and dry the glue without over drying the wood and weakening it. I know that one of the most important things grandpa taught me was that if something is worth doing it is worth doing right. He was a perfectionist and a hard worker both of which are good traits to have. I hope that I can instill this in my future children. I regret that I never took the opportunity to learn more from him. Grandpa was always there no matter what we needed and I will never forget that about him, he is a part of all of us and as hard as it is to say goodbye at least we have the memories that will be cherished forever.

Celebrating V-day with a Bang!

It was a cold and snowy day but the boys were not to be deterred from shooting up a few cans and random objects. I personally think it is more fun to watch the boys get all serious about it then to actually participate in the shooting. I wasn't initially thrilled about spending valentines this way but it turned out great. We always have fun when we are with our friends.
I actually hit the target I was aiming at.
It was a great view of the lake and the mountains
Who will actually get the skeet?
The possy
shh. he is concentrating.

Rock Gym

This past Saturday we went rock climbing at Momentum Gym with Justin's brothers family. John and Heather are awesome and made Justin totally upset with his lack of skills. I have never tried to hide the fact that rock climbing is not my favorite mostly because I start shaking and hyperventilating ten feet off the ground. My first climb was the same as always. Afterwards the next three climbs I did better mostly because I ignored the designated path and just found the next hold. Justin can't wait to go back and since we got two free passes while we were there I think it will be soon.

Giddy up

Over Human Rights day Justin convinced me to take advantage of the day off and give our horses some exercise. I was not to excited about riding around in cold weather all day so I wore a million layers. The day turned out to be beautiful and the west dessert provided a great backdrop. Thanks Justin for dragging me out of the house.


This picture makes me look like a conehead

Newest Purchase

We bought a horse puller, boat puller, stuff hauler and a new toy for Justin. It was my granpa's truck. An 89 Ford F250 with 60,000 miles. My grandma drove a hard bargain but we finally settled on a price and brought it home last week. Thanks grandma for parting with something that holds many memories of your husband.

Jumping in the New Year

The whole gang
Look we are at NY
The newest additions to the group

We rang in the New Year at a rocking party hosted by Brandon and Carrie. Brandon had a confetti cannon that shot confetti everywhere even through the tiled ceiling. We had so much fun and can't wait to get together with everyone again. Happy New Year everyone.

We were so excited we just couldn't contain ourselves.

Christmas Vacation

Justin and I have both been loving having school and work off. Life has definately taken on a slower pace this last week and I am dreading the start of work and another semester for Justin. It is a good thing we have one more week to play. Christmas seemed like such a blur for us. It was here and then it was gone. We spent a lot of time with family and friends. Last Sunday we were able to watch my friends TJ and Michelle bless their baby. It was so much fun to see them again and to be able to spend time with the Watson Family. Christmas eve we partied with Justin's mom and had an excellent dinner. I had made a quilt for his mom (thanks gma and mom for the help) I was so happy that Diane loved it. It is always hard to give gifts they can't exchange for something they really might have wanted. I was rewarded with several great sweaters and tupperware that I am going to use ASAP. Christmas morning we woke up and exchanged our small presents to each other. We bought a digital SLR that was our big gift. Justin gave me some perfume and a new bunny cage for my rabbit. I gave him IPOD speakers, 3 gallons of ice cream from Leatherby's, a movie and a Barnes and Noble gift card. His Dad spoiled us with great tickets to WICKED this spring. I am excited, Justin is still a little leary that it is a musical. We had breakfast with my dad and were given costco money. This will be used in conjunction with our rebate this spring for something most likely a t.v.. My mom bought us a camera backpack that will hold our SLR, point and shoot and our video camera. She also gave us clothes and a deep fryer, scones here I come. We were really grateful for all of our gifts this year. We have also enjoyed spending more time together. I hope that all of you had a great Christmas as well.

Christmas Morning

My brother being a goof cooking breakfast

Diane's Quilt

Silly girls
Justin was finally willing to hold Carter

Justin and his dad on Christmas morning